Specialized
Hardrock Disc 29
- 2013

Details

Tackle local trails and paths with new confidence and speed aboard Specialized's Hardrock Disc 29er. This do-it-all, big-wheel rig features a lively A1 Premium aluminum frame and a plush SR Suntour suspension fork that smooths out all the bumps. It's built to handle all kinds of terrain, both up and down, with its wide-range Shimano 24-speed drivetrain and sure-stopping, all-weather Tektro disc brakes. Plus, the Hardrock 29er boasts durable 29-inch rims that easily roll over tricky obstacles, grippy Specialized tires and a comfy Body Geometry saddle.

Also available in Charcoal/Silver/White (image unavailable from manufacturer).

I haven't had a bike in years but at 57, it was time to ride again.Liked the bike immediately when I saw it.I bought mine used from a shop so, the pedals were already swapped out.It climbs very well.The fork is ok for what I'm doing with it.Riding in the National Forest is awesome.On fast downhills,it handles great.The brakes work well but squeal.The seat needs to be swapped for a more comfortable one.For the price,it's a great bike.After a season, I'll be trading it in for a full suspension model.Probably will stay with Specialized.You get what you pay for.

I was looking to upgrade from my thrift store mountain bike to something more serious once I decided it was something I really enjoyed. The 29" wheels were something I had heard good things about so finding this bike just begged for a test ride. Comfortable ride while being able to ride over anything a trail can throw at you. Great bike to grow and develop skills with.

Sweet bike. I have only had a couple of weeks but no complaints yet. The 29in wheels are awesome. They roll over anything. I had an old Hardrock with 26in wheels and a 21in frame. I 6'1" tall but with the 29's i had to go with a 19in frame and it fits good. I added a longer neck to give me a little more room and some bar extensions as I like to lean over a little more aggressively. The stock pedals are junk but i replaced them before i left the shop with some bmx pedals. Those are all cheap upgrades and everything else is good quality for the price. Overall it gives a real solid ride in the city and the few trial rides i've taken so far.

When I turned 50 and went through a shoulder surgery recovery I began to ride for my therapy and to gain strength back again in my upper body. A store bought duel suspension bike gave me that chance. The reality of trying to navigate some trails with a heavy bike was doable for awhile until i joined a local cycle club and had a chance to ride a couple of the other bikes. Hello. Had to take note of the easey work that the 29er lends verses the 26" I had as I am 6'3". Saved up for my 29er hard tail and felt remarkable differances in handling and ride in the front of the group when we hit some trails. Just lowerd the rear tire psi a tiny bit and wah lah. Been riding that way for about 20 of 2 1/2 to 3 hour trail runs. PS my first bike gets used alot as the spare bike for a new friend that wants to go along with the fellas in our group.

Still adjusting to the 29" wheels. I'm actually slightly less impressed with 29" than I thought I would be- probably because it takes a somewhat different climbing style when you're used to 26".. also I'm used to full suspension. Great bike overall- solid, resilient, quick handling. I would've preferred a slightly longer fork like the one on my son's Trek Wahoo.. Aside from all criticism, I do love the bike and I'm having fun on it.

I bought this bike after moving to NC and finding these incredibe forest trails that were already fun to ride on my "discount store", generic dual-suspension mountain bike. However, I felt that I could have a better time on a bike that was lighter and had better components. So I am writing this review from that point of view--coming off a generic mountain bike, wanting something that wouldn't break the bank, but still be a step up.
I was a little worried about going to a "hardtail" setup, but the BIG 29' wheels actually have a "bounce" or flex to them that seems to absorb roots and rocks. And speaking of those big tires, they make this bike an incredible hill climber! I can easily navigate up hills that I'd have to walk before. The frame geometry also puts the rider over the front bars more, so you're in a more neutral position than the "generic" bike. This gives you better control, although you will get more of a workout in your arms.
The bike looks killer in bl/wh/ye; and the front fork is adequate for what I'm riding or intend to ride for the next two years or perhaps more? I use my bike to stay in shape, and for just motoring through some semi-technical trails, this bike is perfect for me. The bike rolls so easily, and pedlaing is rarely a chore, even on inclines. Gotta love those 29's!
If I had to nitpick, I'd say that the pedals were cheap-looking plastic--I replaced them right at the store when I was picking the bike up rather than chance them breaking off on the trail; The seat is also just hard and uncomfortable--it lasted one road ride of about an hour, after which I put on a big cushy seat. That fixed that!
Also, it may be my imagination, but the chain seems to slap the frame too much when going over rough ground; it's disconcerting, and I plan to zip-tie some old rubber tubing around the frame to prevent that. Also, I feel that this bike has less pedal-to-ground clearance than my discount store Mt. bike; perhaps that's juts because I'm riding harder? But I've hit the pedals on some log and rock crossings and hope that I don't end up cracking off a pedal one day.
All in all though, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase, and would definitely recommend this affordable bike to anyone wanting a reasonable step-up from your standard "discount store"-style, generic mountain bike.

For the low price this bike is Awesome!
I have had the bike for about two months and put close to a 100 miles a week on it commuting across Portland over whatever surfaces and terrains I choose to set my mind and its 29 inch wheels upon. The bike is certainly light and sturdy enough to get high into the air when catapulting off of paved speed bumps or clearing concrete curbs in the city, as well as deftly navigating menacing off road dirt trails wrought in large rocks and fallen trees... And did I mention speed? It's fast, really fast, and totally fun while going super fast! And it even looks good while doing all of this, which puts a smile on my face and inspires me to keep it clean and shipshape.
Even with the defective fork which RCB replaced for free under warranty (Specialized itself got involved and provided at no extra charge an upgraded version which locks out, helping decrease any power transfer loss while commuting... Thank you Specialized and the RCB Sevice Staff!), and the squealing brakes which needed attention, and the faulty rear derailleur which was also replaced under warranty, I would still have given this bike five stars if it did not defy the meaning of the word perfect to do so...
Perhaps what makes this bike truly great in my eyes is that it was assembled and is being taken care of by the competent staff at River City Bicycles. Their attention to detail and professional service is honestly worth more than the monetary value of the bike itself.
Beyond that, for me the best of the rest is all in the breathing and body mechanics, and riding forward one revolution at a time...

I just hit 200 off-road miles in less than 1.5 months on my '12 Hardrock and could not be more happy with an entry level bike. I have ridden it hard and have not had any issues with it thusfar. The only upgrade I have made was clipless pedals/shoes. At its price point you can't argue components but the travel on the front fork is pretty subpar. That is my only real complaint. I'm so happy with the value of miles per dollar so far that I have a hard time not giving it a 5 out of 5. (bethel,mobile,hattiesburg trails)